Draper Bench Vice Review
Draper offers a range of bench vices that balance affordability with solid build quality for home mechanics and DIYers. This review breaks down the key models, their features, and how they compare to help you choose the right one for your workshop.
Quick answer
The Draper 100mm Cast Iron Bench Vice (Stock No. 44506) is the best overall pick for most home workshops, offering a solid cast iron body, hardened steel jaws, and a reliable swivel base at a competitive price. For heavy-duty use, the Draper 150mm Vice is a better choice.
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Research updated June 2026.
Draper 100mm Cast Iron Bench Vice (44506)
Excellent value for money with a robust cast iron build and smooth screw action.
| Model | Best For | Jaw Width | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draper 100mm (44506) | Best Overall | 100 mm | 8 kg | 4.5 / 5 |
| Draper 150mm Heavy Duty | Heavy-Duty Work | 150 mm | 16 kg | 4.4 / 5 |
| Draper 75mm Mini Vice | Light Duty / Hobby | 75 mm | 3.5 kg | 4.0 / 5 |
| Draper 175mm Quick Release | Fast Adjustments | 175 mm | 7.2 kg | 4.2 / 5 |
| Draper 125mm Heavy Duty | Mid-Range Strength | 125 mm | 12 kg | 4.3 / 5 |
Draper 100mm Cast Iron Bench Vice (44506)
Best OverallPros
- Solid cast iron construction
- Hardened steel jaws
- Smooth screw operation
Cons
- Anvil surface is small
- Paint can chip over time
The Draper 100mm Cast Iron Bench Vice is the most popular model in the range and for good reason. It offers a robust cast iron body that provides excellent stability for most home workshop tasks, from filing and sawing to light metalwork. The hardened steel jaws are serrated for a secure grip and are replaceable when worn.
Owner reviews consistently praise the smooth action of the ACME threaded screw and the 360-degree swivel base, which locks down firmly. The roughly 8 kg weight gives it a solid feel on the bench without being too heavy to move. It is a reliable workhorse that delivers great value for its price point.
Draper 150mm Heavy Duty Bench Vice
Best for Heavy WorkPros
- Very heavy and stable
- Large anvil surface
- Massive clamping capacity
Cons
- Very heavy to install
- Higher price point
The Draper 150mm Heavy Duty Bench Vice is built for serious workshop tasks. With a weight of 16 kg and a 150 mm jaw width, it can handle large workpieces and heavy clamping forces without flexing. The large anvil surface is useful for light hammering and shaping metal.
This vice uses a cast iron body with a hardened steel jaw insert. The swivel base allows for flexible positioning, and the locking mechanism is robust. It is best suited for a permanent installation on a sturdy workbench where its weight is an advantage rather than a hindrance.
Draper 75mm Mini Bench Vice
Best for Light DutyPros
- Compact and lightweight
- Good for small parts
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not for heavy work
- No swivel base
The Draper 75mm Mini Bench Vice is a compact option for light tasks like holding small electronics, model parts, or jewelry. Its small size makes it easy to mount on a portable workbench or even clamp to a table temporarily. The cast iron body is adequate for light clamping pressure.
Owner feedback notes that it is a good value for the price, but it is not designed for heavy-duty use. The fixed base means you have to position the workpiece carefully. It is a practical choice for a hobbyist who needs a small vice for delicate work.
Draper 175mm Quick Release Woodworking Bench Vice
Best for SpeedPros
- Quick release mechanism
- Good build quality
- Wide jaw for larger workpieces
Cons
- Mechanism can jam with debris
- No swivel base
The Draper 175mm Quick Release Woodworking Bench Vice features a lever-operated quick release that allows the jaw to slide rapidly into position, saving time when changing workpieces frequently. This is a useful feature for production work or when you need to adjust the vice often.
The vice is well made with a close-grain cast iron body and an adjustable front dog for holding larger workpieces against a bench stop. Some owner reviews mention that the quick release mechanism can be sensitive to dust and debris, requiring occasional cleaning. It offers a good compromise between speed and holding power for most DIY tasks.
Draper 125mm Heavy Duty Bench Vice
Best Mid-RangePros
- Good balance of size and weight
- Strong clamping force
- Durable cast iron
Cons
- Heavier than 100mm model
- Not as common in stores
The Draper 125mm Heavy Duty Bench Vice sits between the popular 100 mm and the massive 150 mm models. It offers a larger jaw opening and more clamping force than the 100 mm version while being lighter and easier to handle than the 150 mm. It is a good choice if you need extra capacity without the full weight of the largest model.
It features the same cast iron construction and hardened steel jaws as the other vices in the range. The swivel base is standard. Owner reviews are positive, noting its solid feel and reliable performance for a wide range of tasks, from woodworking to metalwork.
What to check before buying a Draper bench vice
Before purchasing a Draper bench vice, consider the jaw width and opening capacity. A 100 mm jaw is suitable for most DIY tasks, while 150 mm is better for large metal parts. The weight of the vice is also important; a heavier vice provides more stability but requires a sturdy workbench.
Check the base type. A 360-degree swivel base is standard on most Draper vices and adds flexibility. Also, look at the jaw material; hardened steel jaws are more durable and replaceable. Finally, consider the screw type; a standard ACME thread is reliable, while a quick release mechanism offers faster operation.
Mistakes to avoid
A common mistake is buying a vice that is too small for the intended work. A 75 mm vice will not hold large items securely. Another mistake is mounting the vice on a weak workbench; a heavy vice needs a solid, fixed bench to perform well.
Do not use the vice as an anvil for heavy hammering unless it has a designated anvil surface. Over-tightening the vice on a workpiece can also damage the jaws or the item. Always use jaw protectors for delicate materials.
Who is a Draper bench vice for?
Draper bench vices are for home mechanics, DIY enthusiasts, and hobbyists who need a reliable and affordable clamping solution. They are not designed for continuous professional use in a heavy industrial setting, but they offer excellent value for home workshops and garages.
The range covers light-duty models for model making through to heavy-duty vices for metalwork and car restoration. If you need a vice for occasional to regular use, a Draper model is a solid choice.
Performance and build quality
Draper vices are made from cast iron, which provides good strength and vibration damping. The hardened steel jaws resist wear and are replaceable on most models. The ACME threaded screws offer smooth and precise operation, and the swivel bases lock securely.
Owner reviews generally praise the build quality for the price, noting that they feel solid and reliable. Some users report that the paint finish can chip over time, but this does not affect performance. The vices are a good representation of value in the mid-range market.
Alternatives to Draper bench vices
If you are considering other brands, Record and Stanley are well-known alternatives that offer similar build quality. Record vices are often considered the benchmark for quality, but they come at a higher price. Stanley vices offer a good balance of price and performance.
For professional use, consider brands like Bahco or Eclipse, which offer higher precision and durability.
FAQs
What size Draper bench vice should I buy?
For most home DIY, a 100 mm jaw width is ideal. Choose a 75 mm for light hobby work or a 150 mm for heavy metalwork.
Are Draper bench vices made from cast iron?
Yes, all standard Draper bench vices are made from cast iron, which provides good strength and stability for workshop tasks.
Do Draper vices have a swivel base?
Most Draper vices from 100 mm upwards include a 360-degree swivel base that locks in place. The 75 mm mini vice has a fixed base.
Can I replace the jaws on a Draper vice?
Yes, the hardened steel jaws on most Draper vices are replaceable. Spare jaws are available from Draper and other suppliers.
Is a Draper vice good for heavy duty use?
The 150 mm and 125 mm models are suitable for heavy duty home use. For continuous professional heavy work, a more expensive brand may be better.
How do I mount a Draper bench vice?
Mount the vice to a sturdy workbench using the bolts provided. Ensure the bench is strong enough to support the weight and clamping forces.
What is a quick release vice?
A quick release vice has a lever that allows the jaw to slide rapidly into position, saving time compared to turning the screw for every adjustment.
Are Draper vices good value for money?
Yes, Draper vices are widely considered to offer excellent value for money, providing solid build quality at a competitive price point.
What is the warranty on a Draper bench vice?
Draper typically offers a 1-year warranty on their bench vices against manufacturing defects. Check the specific product listing for details.
Can I use a Draper vice for woodworking?
Yes, but for woodworking it is recommended to use soft jaw protectors or wooden jaw covers to avoid marking the workpiece.
Our verdict
The Draper 100mm Cast Iron Bench Vice (44506) is the best overall choice for most home workshops, offering a great balance of size, weight, and build quality at a fair price. For those needing maximum clamping force for heavy metalwork, the Draper 150mm Heavy Duty Vice is the top pick.